Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements. The planetary gear train improves power delivery performance and fuel economy by achieving at least ten forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage, and widens gear ratio span and secures linearity of step ratios.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0028485 filed Mar. 9, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an automatic transmission for a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Generally, an automatic transmission achieving more speed stages has been developed to enhance fuel economy and optimize drivability.

Such an automatic transmission achieving more speed stages is preferred to maximize power performance and driving efficiency according to downsizing of an engine. Particularly, we have discovered that a high efficiency multiple-speeds transmission having excellent linearity of step ratios can be used as an index closely related to drivability such as acceleration before and after shift and rhythmical engine speed in order to secure competitiveness in the automatic transmission field.

However, in the automatic transmission, as the number of speed stages increase, the number of internal components increase, and as a result, mountability, cost, weight, transmission efficiency, and the like may still deteriorate.

Accordingly, development of a planetary gear train which may achieve maximum efficiency with a small number of can increase a fuel efficiency enhancement effect through the multiple-speeds.

In this aspect, in recent years, 8-speed automatic transmissions tend to be implemented and the research and development of a planetary gear train capable of implementing more speed stages has also been actively conducted.

However, since a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission has gear ratio span of 6.5-7.5 (gear ratio span is an important factor for securing linearity of step ratios), improvement of power performance and fuel economy may not be very good.

In addition, if an 8-speed automatic transmission has gear ratio span larger than 9.0, it is hard to secure linearity of step ratios. Therefore, driving efficiency of an engine and drivability of a vehicle may be deteriorated.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made in an effort to provide a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle having advantages of improving power delivery performance and fuel economy by achieving at least ten forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage, and widening gear ratio span and of securing linearity of step ratios.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle having advantages of maintaining durability of pinion shafts by avoiding applying load to planet carriers at stopped states when the vehicle runs at a high speed stage.

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements; a first shaft connected to the first rotation element; a second shaft connecting the second rotation element with the fourth rotation element and directly connected to the input shaft; a third shaft connecting the third rotation element with the tenth rotation element; a fourth shaft connecting the fifth rotation element with the ninth rotation element; a fifth shaft connected to the sixth rotation element and selectively connected to the third shaft; a sixth shaft connecting the seventh rotation element with the twelfth rotation element; and a seventh shaft connected to the eighth rotation element and selectively connected to the third shaft.

The first shaft, the sixth shaft, and the seventh shaft may be selectively connected to a transmission housing, and the planetary gear train may further include an eighth shaft connected to the eleventh rotation element, directly connected to the output shaft, and selectively connected to the seventh shaft when the seventh shaft is disconnected from the transmission housing.

The first, second, and third rotation elements of the first planetary gear set may be a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements of the second planetary gear set may be a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements of the third planetary gear set may be a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, and a tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements of the fourth planetary gear set may be a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear, respectively.

The first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets may be disposed in a sequence of the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the third planetary gear set, and the fourth planetary gear set from the engine.

All the rotation elements of the second planetary gear set may integrally rotate with each other by selectively connecting at least two rotation elements among the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements.

In one aspect, the planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the eighth shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the second shaft with the fifth shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the fifth shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the seventh shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the sixth shaft with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first shaft with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the transmission housing.

In another aspect, the planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the eighth shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the second shaft with the fourth shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the fifth shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the seventh shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the sixth shaft with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first shaft with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the transmission housing.

In another aspect, the planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the eighth shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth shaft with the fifth shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the fifth shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the seventh shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the sixth shaft with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first shaft with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the transmission housing.

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; and a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, wherein the input shaft is directly connected to the second rotation element, the output shaft is directly connected to the eleventh rotation element, the first rotation element is selectively connected to a transmission housing, the second rotation element is directly connected to the fourth rotation element, the third rotation element is directly connected to the tenth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is directly connected to the ninth rotation element, the seventh rotation element is directly connected to the twelfth rotation element and is selectively connected to the transmission housing, and the eighth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing.

The sixth rotation element may be selectively connected to the third rotation element, the eighth rotation element may be selectively connected to the third rotation element, and the eleventh rotation element may be selectively connected to the eighth rotation element when the eighth rotation element is disconnected from the transmission housing.

The first, second, and third rotation elements of the first planetary gear set may be a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements of the second planetary gear set may be a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements of the third planetary gear set may be a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, and the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements of the fourth planetary gear set may be a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear, respectively.

The first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets may be disposed in a sequence of the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the third planetary gear set, and the fourth planetary gear set from the engine.

All the rotation elements of the second planetary gear set may integrally rotate with each other by selectively connecting at least two rotation elements among the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements.

In one aspect, the planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the eleventh rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the eighth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation element with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the transmission housing.

In another aspect, the planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the eleventh rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth rotation element with the fifth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the eighth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation element with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the transmission housing.

In another aspect, the planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the eleventh rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fifth rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the eighth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation element with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the transmission housing.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may achieve at least ten forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage by combining four planetary gear sets being simple planetary gear sets with seven control elements.

In addition, since gear ratio span greater than 10.0 is secured, driving efficiency of the engine may be maximized. In addition, since linearity of step ratios can be secured due to multiple speed stages, drivability such as acceleration before and after shift, rhythmical engine speed, and the like may be improved.

In addition, durability of pinion shafts connected to pinion gears may be maintained due to smooth lubrication by avoiding applying load to planet carriers at stopped states when the vehicle runs at a high forward speed stage.

DRAWINGS

In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an operation chart of control elements at each speed stage in the planetary gear train according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

-   -   B1, B2, B3: first, second, and third brakes     -   C1, C2, C3, C4: first, second, third, and fourth clutches     -   PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4: first, second, third, and fourth planetary         gear sets     -   S1, S2, S3, S4: first, second, third, and fourth sun gears     -   PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4: first, second, third, and fourth planet         carriers     -   R1, R2, R3, R4: first, second, third, and fourth ring gears     -   IS: input shaft OS: output shaft     -   TM1, TM2, TM3, TM4, TM5, TM6, TM7, TM8: first, second, third,         fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth shafts

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

However, parts which are not related with the description are omitted for clearly describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and like reference numerals refer to like or similar elements throughout the specification.

In the following description, dividing names of components into first, second, and the like is to divide the names because the names of the components are the same as each other and an order thereof is not particularly limited. As used herein, “connect” and its variants includes connection for transmission of force such as torque, e.g., a first component connected to a second component for rotation therewith, or a first component connected to a second component for fixation of the components, e.g. braking or resisting movement.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a planetary gear train according to first embodiment of the present disclosure includes first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 disposed on the same axis, an input shaft IS, an output shaft OS, eight shafts TM1 to TM8 connected to at least one of rotation elements of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4, four clutches C1 to C4 and three brakes B1 to B3 that are control elements, and a transmission housing H.

Torque input from the input shaft IS is changed by cooperation of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4, and the changed torque is output through the output shaft OS.

Herein, the planetary gear sets are disposed in a sequence of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 from the engine.

The input shaft IS is an input member and torque from a crankshaft of the engine is torque-converted through a torque converter to be input into the input shaft IS.

The output shaft OS is an output member, is disposed in parallel with the input shaft IS, and transmits driving torque to a driving wheel through a differential apparatus.

The first planetary gear set PG1 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a first sun gear S1, a first planet carrier PC1 rotatably supporting a first pinion P1 that is externally meshed with the first sun gear S1, and a first ring gear R1 that is internally meshed with the first pinion P1 respectively as first, second, and third rotation elements N1, N2, and N3.

The second planetary gear set PG2 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a second sun gear S2, a second planet carrier PC2 rotatably supporting a second pinion P2 that is externally meshed with the second sun gear S2, and a second ring gear R2 that is internally meshed with the second pinion P2 respectively as fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements N4, N5, and N6.

The third planetary gear set PG3 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a third sun gear S3, a third planet carrier PC3 rotatably supporting a third pinion P3 that is externally meshed with the third sun gear S3, and a third ring gear R3 that is internally meshed with the third pinion P3 respectively as seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements N7, N8, and N9.

The fourth planetary gear set PG4 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a fourth sun gear S4, a fourth planet carrier PC4 rotatably supporting a fourth pinion P4 that is externally meshed with the fourth sun gear S4, and a fourth ring gear R4 that is internally meshed with the fourth pinion P4 respectively as tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements N10, N11, and N12.

The second rotation element N2 is directly connected to the fourth rotation element N4, the third rotation element N3 is directly connected to the tenth rotation element N10, the fifth rotation element N5 is directly connected to the ninth rotation element N9, and the seventh rotation element N7 is directly connected to the twelfth rotation element N12 by four shafts among the eight shafts TM1 to TM8.

The eight shafts TM1 to TM8 will be described in further detail.

The eight shafts TM1 to TM8 directly connect a plurality of rotation elements among the rotation elements of the planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4, and are rotation members that are directly connected to any one rotation element (or more) of the planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 and rotate with the any one rotation element to transmit torque, or are fixed members that directly connect any one rotation element of the planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 to the transmission housing H to fix the any one rotation element.

The first shaft TM1 is connected to the first rotation element N1 (first sun gear S1) and is selectively connected to the transmission housing H.

The second shaft TM2 directly connects the second rotation element N2 (first planet carrier PC1) with the fourth rotation element N4 (second sun gear S2), and is directly connected to the input shaft IS so as to be operated as an input element continuously.

The third shaft TM3 directly connects the third rotation element N3 (first ring gear R1) with the tenth rotation element N10 (fourth sun gear S4).

The fourth shaft TM4 directly connects the fifth rotation element N5 (second planet carrier PC2) with the ninth rotation element N9 (third ring gear R3).

The fifth shaft TM5 is connected to the sixth rotation element N6 (second ring gear R2) and is selectively connected to the second shaft TM2 or the third shaft TM3.

The sixth shaft TM6 directly connects the seventh rotation element N7 (third sun gear S3) with the twelfth rotation element N12 (fourth ring gear R4) and is selectively connected to the transmission housing H.

The seventh shaft TM7 is connected to the eighth rotation element N8 (third planet carrier PC3) and is selectively connected to the third shaft TM3 or is selectively connected to the transmission housing H.

The eighth shaft TM8 is connected to the eleventh rotation element N11 (fourth planet carrier PC4), is selectively connected to the seventh shaft TM7, and is directly connected to the output shaft OS so as to be operated as an output element continuously. In addition, four clutches C1, C2, C3, and C4 are disposed at portions at which any two shafts among the eight shafts TM1 to TM8 including the input shaft IS and the output shaft OS are selectively connected to each other.

In addition, three brakes B1, B2, and B3 are disposed at portions at which any one shaft among the eight shafts TM1 to TM8 is selectively connected to the transmission housing H.

Arrangements of the four clutches C1 to C4 and the three brakes B1 to B3 are described in detail.

The first clutch C1 is disposed between the seventh shaft TM7 and the eighth shaft TM8 and selectively connects the seventh shaft TM7 with the eighth shaft TM8.

The second clutch C2 is disposed between the second shaft TM2 and the fifth shaft TM5 and selectively connects the second shaft TM2 with the fifth shaft TM5.

The third clutch C3 is disposed between the third shaft TM3 and the fifth shaft TM5 and selectively connects the third shaft TM3 with the fifth shaft TM5.

The fourth clutch C4 is disposed between the third shaft TM3 and the seventh shaft TM7 and selectively connects the third shaft TM3 with the seventh shaft TM7.

The first brake B1 is disposed between the sixth shaft TM6 and the transmission housing H and selectively connects the sixth shaft TM6 with the transmission housing H.

The second brake B2 is disposed between the first shaft TM1 and the transmission housing H and selectively connects the first shaft TM1 with the transmission housing H.

The third brake B3 is disposed between the seventh shaft TM7 and the transmission housing H and selectively connects the seventh shaft TM7 with the transmission housing H.

The second clutch C2 selectively connects at least two rotation elements among the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements TM4, TM5, and TM6 of the second planetary gear set PG2 so as to lock-up the second planetary gear set PG2.

The second clutch C2 connects the fourth and sixth rotation elements N4 and N6 among the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements TM4, TM5, and TM6 of the second planetary gear set PG2 so as to lock-up the second planetary gear set PG2 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. That is, the second clutch C2 selectively connects the second shaft TM2 with the fifth shaft TM5.

The control elements including the first, second, third, and fourth clutches C1, C2, C3, and C4 and the first, second, and third brakes B1, B2, and B3 may be multi-plates friction elements of wet type that are operated by hydraulic pressure, although other types of clutches or brakes may also be employed.

FIG. 2 is an operation chart of control elements at each speed stage in the planetary gear train according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, three control elements among the first, second, third, and fourth clutches C1, C2, C3, and C4 and the first, second, and third brakes B1, B2, and B3 that are control elements are operated at each speed stage in the planetary gear train according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The first embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve one reverse speed stage and ten forward speed stages and shifting processes will be described in detail.

The first brake B1 and the second and fourth clutches C2 and C4 are simultaneously operated at a first forward speed stage D1.

In a state that the second shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the third shaft TM3 is connected to the seventh shaft TM7 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the sixth shaft TM6 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the first brake B1. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the first forward speed stage, and the first forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The first brake B1 and the second and third clutches C2 and C3 are simultaneously operated at a second forward speed stage D2.

In a state that the second shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the third shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the sixth shaft TM6 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the first brake B1. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the second forward speed stage, and the second forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The first and second brakes B1 and B2 and the second clutch C2 are simultaneously operated at a third forward speed stage D3.

In a state that the second shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the sixth shaft TM6 and the first shaft TM1 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the first and second brakes B1 and B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the third forward speed stage, and the third forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The first brake B1 and the first and second clutches C1 and C2 are simultaneously operated at a fourth forward speed stage D4.

In a state that the seventh shaft TM7 is connected to the eighth shaft TM8 by operation of the first clutch C1 and the second shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the sixth shaft TM6 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the first brake B1. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the fourth forward speed stage, and the fourth forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The second brake B2 and the first and second clutches C1 and C2 are simultaneously operated at a fifth forward speed stage D5.

In a state that the seventh shaft TM7 is connected to the eighth shaft TM8 by operation of the first clutch C1 and the second shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the first shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the fifth forward speed stage, and the fifth forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The first, second, and third clutches C1, C2, and C3 are simultaneously operated at a sixth forward speed stage D6.

Since the seventh shaft TM7 is connected to the eighth shaft TM8 by operation of the first clutch C1, the second shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2, and the third shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the third clutch C3, all the planetary gear sets become lock-up states. In this state, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2 and the sixth forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8. Rotation speed that is the same as rotation speed of the input shaft IS is output at the sixth forward speed stage.

The second brake B2 and the first and third clutches C1 and C3 are simultaneously operated at a seventh forward speed stage D7.

In a state that the seventh shaft TM7 is connected to the eighth shaft TM8 by operation of the first clutch C1 and the third shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the first shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the seventh forward speed stage, and the seventh forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The second brake B2 and the first and fourth clutches C1 and C4 are simultaneously operated at an eighth forward speed stage D8.

In a state that the seventh shaft TM7 is connected to the eighth shaft TM8 by operation of the first clutch C1 and the third shaft TM3 is connected to the seventh shaft TM7 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the first shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the eighth forward speed stage, and the eighth forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The second brake B2 and the third and fourth clutches C3 and C4 are simultaneously operated at a ninth forward speed stage D9.

In a state that the third shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the third clutch C3 and the third shaft TM3 is connected to the seventh shaft TM7 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the first shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the ninth forward speed stage, and the ninth forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The second brake B2 and the second and fourth clutches C2 and C4 are simultaneously operated at a tenth forward speed stage D10.

In a state that the second shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the third shaft TM3 is connected to the seventh shaft TM7 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the first shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the tenth forward speed stage, and the tenth forward speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

The first and third brakes B1 and B3 and the third clutch C3 are simultaneously operated at a reverse speed stage REV.

In a state that the third shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth shaft TM5 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the second shaft TM2. In addition, the sixth shaft TM6 and the seventh shaft TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the first and third brakes B1 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the reverse speed stage, and the reverse speed stage is output to the output shaft OS connected to the eighth shaft TM8.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The second clutch C2 for locking-up the second planetary gear set PG2 is disposed between the second shaft TM2 and the fifth shaft TM5 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, but as shown in FIG. 3, the second clutch C2 is disposed between the second shaft TM2 and the fourth shaft TM4 in the second embodiment.

Since functions and connections between the rotation elements according to the second embodiment are the same as those according to the first embodiment except a position of the second clutch C2, detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

The second clutch C2 for locking-up the second planetary gear set PG2 is disposed between the second shaft TM2 and the fifth shaft TM5 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, but as shown in FIG. 4, the second clutch C2 is disposed between the fourth shaft TM4 and the fifth shaft TM5 in the third embodiment.

Since functions and connections between the rotation elements according to the third embodiment are the same as those according to the first embodiment except a position of the second clutch C2, detailed description will be omitted.

The planetary gear trains according to the first to the third embodiments of the present disclosure may achieve at least ten forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage by combining four planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 with the four clutches C1, C2, C3, and C4 and the three brakes B1, B2, and B3.

In addition, since a gear ratio span greater than 10.0 is secured, driving efficiency of the engine may be maximized.

In addition, since linearity of step ratios can be secured due to multiple speed stages, drivability such as acceleration before and after shift, rhythmical engine speed, and the like may be improved.

In addition, durability of pinion shafts connected to pinion gears may be maintained due to smooth lubrication by avoiding applying load to planet carriers at stopped states when the vehicle runs at a high forward speed stage (higher than or equal to the seventh forward speed stage).

While this disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle comprising: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements; a first shaft fixedly connected to the first rotation element; a second shaft fixedly connecting the second rotation element with the fourth rotation element and fixedly connected to the input shaft; a third shaft fixedly connecting the third rotation element with the tenth rotation element; a fourth shaft fixedly connecting the fifth rotation element with the ninth rotation element; a fifth shaft fixedly connected to the sixth rotation element, and a third clutch directly selectively connecting the fifth shaft to the third shaft; a sixth shaft fixedly connecting the seventh rotation element with the twelfth rotation element; and a seventh shaft fixedly connected to the eighth rotation element and selectively connected to the third shaft.
 2. The planetary gear train of claim 1, wherein the first shaft, the sixth shaft, and the seventh shaft are selectively connected to a transmission housing, and wherein the planetary gear train further comprises an eighth shaft fixedly connected to the eleventh rotation element, fixedly connected to the output shaft, and selectively connected to the seventh shaft when the seventh shaft is disconnected from the transmission housing.
 3. The planetary gear train of claim 2, wherein all the rotation elements of the second planetary gear set integrally rotate with each other by selectively connecting at least two rotation elements among the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements.
 4. The planetary gear train of claim 3, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the eighth shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the second shaft with the fifth shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the seventh shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the sixth shaft with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first shaft with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the transmission housing.
 5. The planetary gear train of claim 3, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the eighth shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the second shaft with the fourth shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the seventh shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the sixth shaft with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first shaft with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the transmission housing.
 6. The planetary gear train of claim 3, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the eighth shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth shaft with the fifth shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third shaft with the seventh shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the sixth shaft with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first shaft with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh shaft with the transmission housing.
 7. The planetary gear train of claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third rotation elements of the first planetary gear set are a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, wherein the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements of the second planetary gear set are a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, wherein the seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements of the third planetary gear set are a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, and wherein the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements of the fourth planetary gear set are a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear, respectively.
 8. The planetary gear train of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets are disposed in a sequence of the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the third planetary gear set, and the fourth planetary gear set from the engine.
 9. A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle comprising: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; and a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, wherein the input shaft is directly connected to the second rotation element, the output shaft is directly connected to the eleventh rotation element, the first rotation element is selectively connected to a transmission housing, the second rotation element is directly connected to the fourth rotation element, the third rotation element is directly connected to the tenth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is directly connected to the ninth rotation element, the seventh rotation element is directly connected to the twelfth rotation element and is selectively connected to the transmission housing, and the eighth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, wherein the sixth rotation element is selectively connected to the third rotation element, wherein the eighth rotation element is selectively connected to the third rotation element, and wherein the eleventh rotation element is selectively connected to the eighth rotation element when the eighth rotation element is disconnected from the transmission housing.
 10. The planetary gear train of claim 9, wherein the first, second, and third rotation elements of the first planetary gear set are a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, wherein the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements of the second planetary gear set are a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, wherein the seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements of the third planetary gear set are a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, and wherein the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements of the fourth planetary gear set are a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear, respectively.
 11. The planetary gear train of claim 9, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets are disposed in a sequence of the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the third planetary gear set, and the fourth planetary gear set from the engine.
 12. The planetary gear train of claim 9, wherein all the rotation elements of the second planetary gear set integrally rotate with each other by selectively connecting at least two rotation elements among the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements.
 13. The planetary gear train of claim 12, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the eleventh rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the eighth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation element with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the transmission housing.
 14. The planetary gear train of claim 12, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the eleventh rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth rotation element with the fifth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the eighth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation element with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the transmission housing.
 15. The planetary gear train of claim 12, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the eleventh rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fifth rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the sixth rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element with the eighth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation element with the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element with the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the eighth rotation element with the transmission housing. 